R1.6bn textbook tender puts Basic Education procurement in the spotlight
An irregular textbook tender has drawn parliamentary scrutiny after a little-known publisher received a major share of approved materials.
Procurement red flags in the classroom
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has briefed Parliament on an irregular R1.6-billion textbook tender for grades 1 to 3, after internal audit findings raised red flags around the process.
One concern is that Lighthouse Publishers, reportedly registered shortly after tender terms were issued, received a significant share of approved materials despite questions about its track record.
No criminality is not the end
The minister has said there is no evidence of criminality at this stage. But absence of proven crime is not the same as clean governance. Procurement can be irregular, unfair or wasteful long before prosecutors can prove corruption.
The public interest
Children, teachers and taxpayers need certainty that learning materials were selected for quality and value, not proximity to process insiders.
Sources: EWN reporting published on 12 and 13 May 2026.
Senior political correspondent covering Parliament and the Presidency. 12 years in investigative journalism.